ESSAY August 2024 - The Higher Power Called Me Through SA - José S., Florida, USA

I was born in Nicaragua. My parents divorced when I was a baby. I was raised by my maternal grandparents in the countryside until about 8 years old. When I was around 6 or 7 years old, I was sexually abused by two adult men who were neighbors.  I was also abused by older relatives and friends from my childhood. I always felt guilty about the abuse and never told anyone about it. When I was 11 years old, my mother immigrated to New York City.